Kuala Lumpur Events

Kuala Lumpur International Tower Jump

The Menara Kuala Lumpur (better known as the KL Tower) is the
fourth tallest telecommunications tower in the world, standing at
1,381 feet (421m). The tower has become a magnet for extreme sports
enthusiasts, particularly 'BASE' (building, antenna, span and
earth) jumpers. Every year an increasing number of daredevils make
repeated jumps from the tower and allow three-second free falls
before opening their chutes, leaving spectators breathless. There
are also night jumps. Only experienced BASE jumpers, who have done
at least 120 jumps previously and have been active participants in
the sport for more than two years, will be considered as
contestants. A maximum of a hundred jumpers are selected annually.
Other events on the day include a light aircraft fly past,
helicopter roping, radio controlled aircraft displays and gliding
exhibitions. There is also BASE jumping done at the Gua Damai Cliff
in the Gua Damai Extreme Park (a 20 minute drive from the KL
Tower). For more information and some video clips of the event
check out the official website listed below.

Thaipusam

Malaysia celebrates numerous religious festivals, but the best
known and most popular with tourists is the Hindu test of faith and
endurance, Thaipusam, held at the Batu Caves during the tenth month
of the Hindu calendar. The festival is celebrated in a number of
countries and commemorates the triumph of Murugan and his god-given
spear over the evil demon Soorapadman. This festival, involving a
procession of devotees carrying yokes () and bearing
offerings, up hundreds of steps, is not for the squeamish. The
bearers, in a trance-like state, are often pierced with skewers
through tongues and cheeks, with hooks and spears pierced through
other body parts; at the very least they are carrying heavy burdens
a long distance to demonstrate their faith and endurance. The
procession follows a ceremonial decorated chariot drawn by
bullocks. The procession to the caves starts at the Sri
Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur and the journey of the
devotees takes about eight hours. The temple at the caves attracts
over a million pilgrims and tens of thousands of spectators for the
event. Devotees prepare themselves for the festival by cleansing
through prayer, celibacy and fasting, and many shave their heads
for the occasion.

Malaysian F1 Grand Prix

One of the first events in the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix motor
racing season is the Malaysian Grand Prix at the impressive Sepang
International Circuit. The first World Championship Grand Prix held
at this new ultra-modern track, known for its sweeping corners and
wide straights, was in 1999, and since then the event has become
known as one of the most thrilling on the F1 Calendar. The
Malaysian weather, with the possibility of extreme heat or tropical
storms, adds extra excitement to the race. The inaugural event, in
1999, remains the most famous, because it saw Michael Schumacher
return to the sport after injury, race masterfully and help his
team mate to win, only to be disqualified on a technical
irregularity, which was later overruled! The 2001 event is also
well remembered because it was held during a storm, which made
conditions extremely dangerous. Thousands of people travel to
Malaysia for the Grand Prix and the event is accompanied by all
sorts of festivities.